Archive for » December, 2009 «
SINBAD’S BIG IRS PROBLEM: Comedian/actor owes over $8 million in taxes! Wow, is Sinbad in really deep doo-doo with the IRS. According to the Detroit News, the Michigan native, owes more than $8.15 million in delinquent federal taxes and the U.S. Attorney General’s office wants his house sold to help satisfy the debt, according to federal court records. On Dec. 10, an assistant U.S. attorney asked a federal judge to foreclose on several tax liens and determine whether the 53-year-old comedian is the true owner of a $1.5 million home in Hidden Hills, Calif. Sinbad, whose real name is Sinbad Adkins, rose to fame on “Star Search” in the 1980s before starring in a string of movies like “Houseguest” and TV shows, really owns the property, the government claims. On Dec. 11, the day after the government filed the case, Sinbad filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy in California, listing between $10 million and $50 million in liabilities and less than $50,000 in assets. That might cause a slight hiccup for the IRS in pursuit of a settlement. The IRS claims Sinbad filed federal income tax returns for years 1998 through 2006 but failed to pay the reported taxes.
Here’s a breakdown of his IRS debt:
* 1998: $2,358,563
* 1999: $1,136,002
* 2000: $1,170,451
* 2001: $953,758
* 2002: $626,045
* 2003: $542,942
* 2004: $612,367
* 2005: $157,934
* 2006: $599,663
Sinbad: Comedian Files for Bankruptcy After Going Broke. It turns out that Sinbad is broke. The comedian declared bankruptcy on December 11th of this year, a day after the IRS came after him for $8.15 million in bad debts. In the court filing, the actor claimed that he has only $50,000 in assets, but $10 – $50 million dollars in liabilities. Sinbad, whose real name is Sinbad Adkins, was a big star during the 1980s and 1990s, starting his career on “Star Search” and starring later in the film “House Guest.” He is 53-years old. The actor’s tax troubles are not uncommon for folks in Hollywood, as many other black celebrities, including the Great Redd Foxx, Wesley Snipes and Joe Louis have been among those who’ve found themselves having problems with the IRS. But tax trouble can also affect the rest of us if we are not careful. Here are some tips to avoid tax problems:
1) Always save money: Your future income may never be as high as you think. Many celebs started off balling and thought that the money would keep flowing. I am sure that Sinbad thought that his personal gravy train would continue long after the movie “House Guest,” but the “House Guest” money probably ran out a long time ago.
2) Be truthful: Don’t lie about your income or deductions. It’s just not worth it and the IRS comes hard for their money.
3) File your return on time and pay on time: Not filing your taxes is a serious offense. Make sure you send something in every year. If you owe a debt, either pay immediately or get a payment arrangement.
4) Respond to IRS claims immediately: The IRS is very powerful, so not responding to them can lead to criminal charges. You don’t want them to be mad at you. We should not judge the celebs who have tax problems, we should learn from them. Be smart, be careful and save your dough. You never know when the government will come knocking.
Major changes are coming to The Real Housewives Of Atlanta. The producers at the Bravo network are ready to show NeNe Leakes and Kim Zolciak the door. The ladies want more money. They feel they have made the show a hit, and now it’s time to get paid. The ladies feel they should be given extra money for hair makeup and clothes, electric bills and airfare. The big wigs at the Bravo network feel the woman can be replaced. They feel they made the women famous and the ladies should be glad they have a job. For the record, the ladies make close to $300,000 per season. Season three could see major changes, and one of them could be the addition of Actress Victoria Rowell. Rowell is best known for her role as “Drucilla” on The Young And The Restless. I also hear Dr. J’s wife Dory is being courted to be on the show. NeNe and Kim feel they are being taken advantage of because the Bravo network has made a lot of money off of their real housewife franchises. There are plans to put the shows in syndication to replace many of the soap operas that are going off the air. The women who appear on these shows will not get any additional money.
The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards take place January 17th on NBC, and the leading nominees include the Lee Daniels’ movie Precious. The movie is up for best picture, best actress (Gabby Sidebe), best supporting actress (Mo’Nique). The Clint Eastwood directed movie, Invictus, is also up for awards including best actor (Morgan Freeman) and best supporting actor (Matt Damon). The Cecil B. DeMille Award will be given to Martin Scorsese. The director is best known for his work with Robert DeNiro in the classic movies Casino, Raging Bull, Goodfellas and Taxi Driver. This year’s Miss Golden Globe will be Mavis Spencer, the daughter of Actress Alfre Woodard and Writer/Producer Roderick Spencer.
Steve Harvey’s new advice/relationship column debuts in the January issue of Essence magazine. Harvey is giving up all the men’s secrets. Look for Harvey to return as host of BET’s Celebration Of Gospel on Sunday January 10th. This issue’s cover features Anika Noni Rose, who is the voice of “Princess Tiana” in the Disney movie, The Princess And The Frog.
Speaking of the Disney movie, The Princess And The Frog is the number one movie in the country. This is Disney’s first African American princess, and the first hand drawn animation in five years. Over the years, all of the animation we have seen is computer generated. Even though there has been some controversy, because the princess is a frog throughout most of the movie, the storyline is great. Disney’s The Princess And The Frog has been nominated for best animated movie by The Golden Globe Awards.
Beyonce has been named Billboard Artist Of The Year. She is also close to signing a deal to do a series of shows in Las Vegas. They are scheduled for the middle of the year.
BEYONCE, SOLANGE TAKING MOM’S DIVORCE HARD: Family friend tells Us Magazine, ‘The kids are sad, but it’s been unraveling for some time.’ Sisters Beyonce and Solange Knowles are said to be devastated by the divorce of their parents Tina and Mathew Knowles following 29 years of marriage. “It’s a rough time for the family — especially over the holidays,” Usmagazine.com quotes of a source close to the family. “The kids are sad, but it’s been unraveling for some time.” News broke Friday that Tina Knowles filed the papers on Nov. 11 in Houston. While infidelity reports have surfaced, the source claims the divorce “really wasn’t about affairs.” Instead, Tina, 55, and Mathew, 58, simply “drifted apart” and led “busy, separate lives. They will try to make it cordial. They put their kids first, and will still be around each other.” The estranged couple also has a grandchild – Solange’s four-year old son, Daniel.
WE REMEMBER: Alaina Reed Hall-Tamini. Actress/singer Alaina Reed Hall-Amini has died. She was 63. At press time, details of her death, on Thursday, Nov. 17, are still sketchy, but the Afrobella blog quotes the cause is believed to related to breast cancer. Hall-Amini was best known for her roles as Olivia, Gordon’s kid sister, on the long-running children’s television series Sesame Street, and Rose Lee Holloway on the NBC sitcom 227. Born in Springfield, Ohio, Hall began her career in Broadway and off-Broadway productions. She was among the original cast members in the 1974 off-Broadway production of Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band on the Road. Hall also appeared in productions of Hair, Chicago, and Eubie! In addition to stage and television work, according to Wikipedia, Hall has also appeared in several films including “Death Becomes Her” (1992), opposite Goldie Hawn and Meryl Streep, “Cruel Intentions” (1999), and the 2007 independent feature “I’m Through with White Girls” (The Inevitable Undoing of Jay Brooks). Hall-Amini was married 3 times. Her first marriage, which produced two children, ended in divorce. In December 1988, she married actor Kevin Peter Hall after meeting him when he guest starred on “227.” She was widowed in 1991 after her husband died of pneumonia-related complications after contracting AIDS. At the time of her death, Hall was married to Tamim Amini Condolences/cards should be sent to her husband: Mr. Tamim Amini at 10044 Woodley Ave. North Hills, CA 91343 Alaina Reed Hall-Amini also had a cooking show called “A Whole Lotta Soul” that looks like it was a whole lotta fun.
This is an actual account as relayed to paramedics at a chili cook-off in Texas.
Note: Please take time to read this slowly. If you pay attention to the first two judges, the reaction of the third judge is even better. For those of you who have lived in Texas, you know how true this is. They actually have a Chili Cook-off about the time Halloween comes around. It takes up a major portion of a parking lot at the San Antonio City Park. Judge #3 was an inexperienced Chili taster named Frank, who was visiting from Springfield, IL .
Frank: “Recently, I was honored to be selected as a judge at a chili cook-off. The original person called in sick at the last moment and I happened to be standing there at the judge’s table, asking for directions to the Coors Light truck, when the call came in. I was assured by the other two judges (Native Texans) that the chili wouldn’t be all that spicy; and, besides, they told me I could have free beer during the tasting, so I accepted and became Judge “3.”
Here are the scorecard notes from the event:
CHILI # 1 – MIKE’S MANIAC MONSTER CHILI
Judge # 1 — A little too heavy on the tomato. Amusing kick.
Judge # 2 — Nice, smooth tomato flavor. Very mild.
Judge # 3 (Frank) — Holy crap, what the hell is this stuff? You could remove dried paint from your driveway. Took me two beers to put the flames out. I hope that’s the worst one. These Texans are crazy.
CHILI # 2 – AUSTIN ‘S AFTERBURNER CHILI
Judge # 1 — Smoky, with a hint of pork. Slight jalapeno tang.
Judge # 2 — Exciting BBQ flavor, needs more peppers to be taken seriously.
Judge # 3 — Keep this out of the reach of children. I’m not sure what I’m supposed to taste besides pain. I had to wave off two people who wanted to give me the Heimlich maneuver. They had to rush in more beer when they saw the look on my face.
CHILI # 3 – FRED’S FAMOUS BURN DOWN THE BARN CHILI
Judge # 1 — Excellent firehouse chili. Great kick.
Judge # 2 — A bit salty, good use of peppers.
Judge # 3 — Call the EPA. I’ve located a uranium spill. My nose feels like I have been snorting Drano. Everyone knows the routine by now. Get me more beer before I ignite. Barmaid pounded me on the back, now my backbone is in the front part of my chest. I’m getting ****-faced from all of the beer.
CHILI # 4 – BUBBA’S BLACK MAGIC
Judge # 1 — Black bean chili with almost no spice. Disappointing.
Judge # 2 — Hint of lime in the black beans. Good side dish for fish or other mild foods, not much of a chili.
Judge # 3 — I felt something scraping across my tongue, but was unable to taste it. Is it possible to burn out taste buds? Sally, the beer maid, was standing behind me with fresh refills. This 300 lb. woman is starting to look HOT… just like this nuclear waste I’m eating! Is chili an aphrodisiac?
CHILI # 5 – LISA’S LEGAL LIP REMOVER
Judge # 1 — Meaty, strong chili. Cayenne peppers freshly ground, adding considerable kick. Very impressive.
Judge # 2 — Chili using shredded beef, could use more tomato. Must admit the cayenne peppers make a strong statement.
Judge # 3 — My ears are ringing, sweat is pouring off my forehead and I can no longer focus my eyes. I farted, and four people behind me needed paramedics. The contestant seemed offended when I told her that her chili had given me brain damage. Sally saved my tongue from bleeding by pouring beer directly on it from the pitcher. I wonder if I’m burning my lips off. It really ticks me off that the other judges asked me to stop screaming.
CHILI # 6 – VERA’S VERY VEGETARIAN VARIETY
Judge # 1 — Thin yet bold vegetarian variety chili Good balance of spices and peppers.
Judge # 2 — The best yet. Aggressive use of peppers, onions, garlic. Superb.
Judge # 3 — My intestines are now a straight pipe filled with gaseous, sulfuric flames. I crapped on myself when I farted, and I’m worried it will eat through the chair. No one seems inclined to stand behind me except that Sally. Can’t feel my lips anymore. I need to wipe my butt with a snow cone.
CHILI # 7 – SUSAN’S SCREAMING SENSATION CHILI
Judge # 1 — A mediocre chili with too much reliance on canned peppers.
Judge # 2 — Ho hum, tastes as if the chef literally threw in a can of chili peppers at the last moment. I should take note that I am worried about Judge # 3. He appears to be in a bit of distress as he is cursing uncontrollably.
Judge # 3 — You could put a grenade in my mouth, pull the pin, and I wouldn’t feel a thing. I’ve lost sight in one eye, and the world sounds like it is made of rushing water. My shirt is covered with chili, which slid unnoticed out of my mouth. My pants are full of lava to match my shirt. At least during the autopsy, they’ll know what killed me. I’ve decided to stop breathing its too painful. I’m not getting any oxygen anyway. If I need air, I’ll just suck it in through the 4-inch hole in my stomach.
CHILI # 8 – BIG TOM’S TOENAIL CURLING CHILI
Judge # 1 — The perfect ending, this is a nice blend chili. Not too bold but spicy enough to declare its existence.
Judge # 2 — This final entry is a good, balanced chili. Neither mild nor hot. Sorry to see that most of it was lost when Judge #3 farted, passed out, fell over and pulled the chili pot down on top of himself. Not sure if he’s going to make it. Poor feller, wonder how he’d have reacted to really hot chili?
Judge # 3 – No Report
I’m still laughing and crying at the same time, my God this was hilarous, the best!!!!!!!!!!!
STEVEN IVORY: Tiger and Our Cheating Culture. Tiger Woods showed us that he is a genius on the fairway, that he can express himself well during TV interviews and that he cleans up good. That’s all. We did the rest. We’re the ones who made him more than us. We did what we usually do regarding those who exude an aura of decency, intelligence, compassion and/or power, wealth and smarts: we told ourselves he was somehow different.
The thing is, everyone is as unique as Woods. We all possess the capacity for certain talents and skills. Because Woods can golf his ass off doesn’t mean he doesn’t pick his nose and then look at it. Or cheat on his partner. We insist on thinking more of others than we think of ourselves because, well, WE lie and WE cheat; we’d like to think there are people who don’t do this. And, of course, there are. But cheating is something the best of us is capable of.
That’s why we’re so fascinated with Tiger and Elin. We’re not gaping because Tiger’s improprieties are unusual–he’s not accused of the bizarre or wacky. No, we’re intrigued because most of us can relate either to Elin or Tiger or both. We’ve either cheated or we’ve been cheated on. We’re either cheating right now, being cheated on right now or know someone who is doing one or the other or both. Right now. Tiger has simply given us the opportunity to see just how repulsive the whole thing looks.
In the past two weeks, we’ve heard from broadcasters, reporters, pundits, relationship experts, former CEOs, psychologists and Jean and Joan and who knows who. Everyone weighs in on what Tiger and Elin should do to “save” their “marriage,” his career and all of golfdom. You wonder if the precious counsel prescribed by the talking heads is the advice they themselves follow. Because somebody among them is cheating, too.
That’s more than a presumption. Long ago, mankind designated sex as a tonic for its collective psychosis. We’ve always been a culture of adulterers, philanderers and cheaters. People have always been driven by their rampant egos, reckless narcissism and garden variety insecurities. They’ve always turned to sex to help them feel better. The only thing different today is the media coverage.
But the average person is not on television. The truth is Tiger’s woes reflect the tragic trance everyday people find themselves in. Matters not if you’re cheating with one or a dozen. The damage is the same. Those genuinely shocked at reports of Tiger’s voracity would be stunned by the staggering numbers being racked up by housewives, high school students, clergymen, sanitation engineers, physicians, teachers, attorneys and nurses. “Average” men and women who trade reality and personal dignity for the empty conquest lined with denial and guilt.
A dysfunctional America is on a sexual rampage way scarier than any strain of flu. That–instead of the inane debate as to whether or not Tiger will keep any endorsements or if Elin should stay–is the national dialogue we should be having. Anything less would be what we usually do. (thank you Steven)
NY TIMES BLASTED FOR BLACK-ONLY GIFT GUIDE: One blog called it ‘race-based holiday shopping.’ An annual Holiday Gift Guide published in the New York Times has been called racist by critics for including a section devoted to “gifts created for and by people of color.” The “Of Color/Stylish Gifts” section, located in the “Style & Travel” section of the 2009 Gift Guide, was compiled by African American reporter Simone S. Oliver and published in November featuring the following gift ideas: “The Mocha Guide to Military Life,” a book for African American women with family members serving in the military. A “Wise Latina” t-shirt, an obvious play on a controversial statement made by Sonia Sotomayor that became an issue during her Supreme Court confirmation hearings. “Hair Rules,” a product for people of color with “problem hair.” “Baby Jamz,” which was created by Beyonce Knowles’ father and sister, is “an interactive hip-hop and rhythm-based toy line.”
Media watchdogs and Times critics have pounced on the paper for its publication of a gift recommendation list for non-whites. The conservative website Newsbusters blasted it as a guide for “race-based holiday shopping,” while the liberal-leaning media gossip blog Gawker.com called it “a celebration of the racist assumption that ‘people of color’ are defined by their colors.” Mediaite said they were “utterly amazed it made it past the editing process,” adding that they’re “baffled why anyone felt the need to separate these gifts from the more generalized categories into which all these items fit, to one based on skin color.”
Yahoo! News spoke to multiple staffers at the paper who expressed divided feelings over the guide. One reporter who asked to remain unnamed was mildly flabbergasted, saying, “After seeing the gift guide, I’m guessing all that ink we spilled after the election of Obama about a post-racial America didn’t get read internally. It goes right up there in the pantheon of tone-deaf boneheadedness.” Another reporter who also requested anonymity pointed out that the guide was created by a person of color, saying, “Critics of the Times tend to do this — they tend to attack something niche-y as if it was formulated and written by The White Powers that Be at the paper, like they’re pushing some fetishized version of how black people think and what they would want.”
When contacted by Yahoo! News for comment, New York Times spokeswoman Diane McNulty released a statement saying: Our online gift guides are intended to offer holiday gift ideas for a wide variety of audiences and interests, with Times writers and editors making smart, informed choices that might appeal to those different audiences. The “Of Color” guide, in the Style & Travel category, is in keeping with that philosophy, and with the efforts of a diverse Times staff to directly address minority readers with our content. Of course, we expect our readers to use the guides however they choose, and we hope they’ll find interesting ideas in many different categories. But we’ll continue our effort to provide content that’s relevant and appealing.
Limbaugh Says Blacks Don’t Believe In Obama Anymore. A few days ago on his radio show, Rush Limbaugh implied that the black community doesn’t have any love for Obama anymore. His claim is that the black community doesn’t think that the President is doing his job … for us. He was ranting about how black people’s minds aren’t right and that we are depressed. He went as far as to say that “Tiger’s choice of women weren’t helping in that area either.” What area would that be Limbaugh? What the hell are you talking about? Oh, but there’s more!
AFRICAN-AMERICAN FILM CRITICS ANNOUNCE AWARDS: ‘Precious,’ Mo’Nique, Daniels, Freeman, ‘Princess and the Frog’ among the winners. The African-American Film Critics Association (AAFCA) has named “Precious” as the best picture of 2009, helmer Lee Daniels as its best director and Mo’Nique as best supporting actress. Mo’Nique received the AAFCA’s first ever unanimous vote in an acting category, the nationwide group of African-American media professionals announced Monday. Anthony Mackie earned best supporting actor recognition for his performance in “The Hurt Locker.” Morgan Freeman was selected as best actor for “Invictus,” while Nicole Beharie earned AAFCA recognition as best actress for “American Violet.” There was a tie for best screenplay: Ron Clements, Rob Edwards, John Musker for “The Princess & The Frog” and Geoffrey Fletcher for “Precious.” “In 2009, the film community produced a dazzling array of performances from African-American talent both in front of and behind the camera,” states Gil Robertson IV, AAFCA Co-Founder. “This year’s selections give a strong indication that the film community is becoming more committed to a wider range of stories that entertain and educate.” AAFCA bestows Special Achievement Award to Michael Jackson, whose seminal film “This Is It” captured a lifetime of exemplary creative expression. The organization’s Top Ten list of film honors includes “Up In The Air,” “The Hurt Locker” and “Good Hair.” “The films selected for 2009 reflect a fascinating combination of work that both entertains and addresses themes and issues of cultural importance,” remarks AAFCA President, Wilson Morales, editor of Blackfilm.com. At press time, AAFCA was to present this year’s honors Monday night at its first live event at the historic Ebony Repertory Theatre in Los Angeles.
The African-American Film Critics Association’s Top Ten Films of 2009 are as follows in order of distinction: Precious, The Princess and The Frog, Up In The Air, The Hurt Locker, This Is It, American Violet, Goodbye Solo, Medicine for Melancholy, Good Hair, Up
Also: Best Actor Morgan Freeman, “Invictus”, Best Actress Nicole Beharie, “American Violet”, Best Supporting Actress Mo’Nique, “Precious”, Best Supporting Actor Anthony Mackie, “The Hurt Locker”, Best Director Lee Daniels, “Precious” , Best Screenplay (tie) Geoffrey Fletcher, “Precious”, R. Clements, R. Edwards, J. Musker, “The Princess & The Frog” , Special Achievement Michael Jackson
DC Cop Pulls Gun In Snowball Fight. An amateur videographer captured what seemed to be a D.C. plain clothes detective brandishing his gun during a snowball fight. But, then it appears from Detective Baylor’s side of the story, walkers were throwing snowballs at the passing cars … including his and he was hit with a snowball. If you don’t live on the East Coast and have not been a part of this massive snowstorm, you may not realize the danger simple snowballs could present. First of all, D.C. has small streets, lots of cars, and plenty of walkers. During a snow storm, it is absolutely unfathomable that people are actually driving rather than catching the subway. On an average day in D.C., the driving experience is scary and dangerous, but to add snow and folks throwing snowballs at the cars … NUTS! The other ironic circumstances is how this scenario is playing out amongst the people. The cop, Detective Baylor, is black. The people involved in the snowball throwing (that instantly became protesters) are white.